Comparison

VizRef Lite vs DarkRef

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

VizRef Lite

This app allows creatives to build and carry visual reference boards on their iPhone. It supports various image types, including GIFs, and integrates with popular drawing applications, acting as a second monitor for inspiration on the go.

Highlights
  • Create visual reference boards
  • Import images from web, cloud, photos
  • Supports animated GIFs with timeline control
  • Use iPhone as a second monitor
  • Batch import and export
  • Image editing tools (crop, flip, rotate)
  • Light and Dark mode
Features
Read full description

VizRef Lite® for iPhone enables creatives to finally take their inspiration anywhere on their phones. *You can not use iPad multitasking features with the iPhone version of VizRef. Please Download VIZREF for use on iPad. * It becomes the perfect companion app for Procreate or paired with your favorite drawing/animation application by using your iPhone as a second monitor dedicated to references. Take your reference boards with you while you travel and draw in your sketchbook. Make visual reference boards with any images or gifs from web browsers, cloud storage, photos, screen captures and more. The first mood board creation app made by artists for artists, that brings comprehensive referencing tools to animators and visual artists. We are dedicated to bringing creatives what they need most in being inspired everywhere they go. HIGHLIGHTS -VIZREF LITE® version for iPhone has all the same in-app features as VIZREF on iPad ( Vizref Lite if used on IPad does not have multitasking features and is not fullscreen. For iPad please purchase VIZREF® -Take your visual reference boards with you while you sketch at your favorite locations -Perfect companion app paired with Procreate® Adobe Fresco ® Clip Studio Paint® Infinite Painter® etc. by utilizing iPhone as a second monitor along with an iPad -Supports many image types including GIF -Quickly copy and paste images from web -Batch Import from Photos app -Batch Export images from boards to cloud storage using Files app -Import High-Resolution images with HD toggle -*Focus on whats importing with Focus mode. ( rotate imageboard ) *Multi-Select and auto pack images for a quicker workflow * - -Import from iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive -Quick and responsive visual reference board experience -Easy to use/ minimal UI -Light mode and Dark mode -Set thumbnails for reference boards to visually organize your inspiration ANIMATED GIF SUPPORT -Reference your favorite animated gifs -Pause animation and play frame by frame to better understand referenced animations -Advanced animation timeline gives you an interactive visual breakdown of all frames EASY TO USE REFERENCE TOOLS -Crop images to optimize screen space and view more references -Greyscale toggle for images for value reference -Flip horizontally and vertically -Rotate Images -Copy-paste images into other apps Artwork and animation credits @_Artazi @_baomii @_Deadslug_ @amnesiapancake @barachan @belgeist @criisalys @ergo.josh @evan_monteiro @gloomwastaken @mrbeezul @onemegawatt @rocketboiART @samuelyounart @cobalt_requin VizRef was created by Max Gonzalez (@mrbeezul) and RoboWorld Entertainment with supporting development from Valere Labs

About

DarkRef

Organize your visual inspiration with images, GIFs, and notes. This app offers a free, intuitive platform for artists to manage references across all devices, with optional cloud sync for seamless backup and access.

Highlights
  • Unlimited boards and images
  • Image and GIF support
  • Notes and annotations
  • Folder organization
  • Offline access
  • Cross-device sync
Features
Read full description

Your own library of art references, organised and on all your devices. DarkRef is a powerful reference board designed for digital artists. Organize your inspiration with images, GIFs, notes, videos and folders; all in one beautiful, minimalist library and use canvases to plan your next big artwork. 100% FREE TO USE All core features are completely free including your reference library, automatic image tagging, canvases and more. Create unlimited boards, add unlimited images and GIFs, take notes, and organize with folders. The only features requiring a paid plan are for syncing your files across devices and for live collaboration boards where you can work with your team together on a shared board. All the core features are completely free. WORKS OFFLINE All your references are stored locally on your device. Work anywhere, even without internet. With a DarkRef paid plan, your changes sync automatically when you're back online. WHY DARKREF? Unlike other reference board apps, DarkRef truly works everywhere. Whether you're sketching on your iPad at a coffee shop, at the office on your Mac or working at home, your references are always with you. Perfect for: • Digital artists and illustrators • Concept artists • Character designers • Environment artists • Animators • Game artists • Anyone who needs organized visual references Download DarkRef for free today and never lose track of your inspiration again.

Screenshots

VizRef Lite4 screens
DarkRef3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: DarkRef at Free against VizRef Lite's $1.99. DarkRef also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and device support (4 vs 2). VizRef Lite's advantage is rating (3.8 vs 2.8) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). On ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

DarkRef is free to download; VizRef Lite costs $1.99 up front. DarkRef sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. VizRef Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

VizRef Lite holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 2.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VizRef Lite has 38 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 48% of VizRef Lite's written reviews are positive against 25% of DarkRef's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VizRef Lite ships an update every 3 months, DarkRef every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard10 real differences · 1 level
VizRef Lite versus DarkRef: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVizRef LiteDarkRef
Price$1.99Free — better
Rating3.8 (38 ratings) — better2.8 (4 ratings)
Positive reviews47.7% of reviews — better25.0% of reviews
Number of ratings38 — better4
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFreemium
Best chart rank#14 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS13.2 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB62 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperStudio PixanohTimothy Patrick Dommett

Customer experience

VizRef Lite

All ratings38 ratings
Positive68.4%
Neutral7.9%
Negative23.7%
Written reviews44 reviews
Positive47.7%
Neutral27.3%
Negative25.0%

DarkRef

All ratings4 ratings
Positive25.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive25.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

None

VizRef Lite

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

DarkRef

Subscriptions2
  • Sync Monthly1 Month trial$1.991 Month
  • Sync Annual$9.991 Year

Questions

Is VizRef Lite free?
VizRef Lite costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is DarkRef free?
DarkRef is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, VizRef Lite or DarkRef?
VizRef Lite is rated higher. VizRef Lite averages 3.8 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while DarkRef averages 2.8 from 4 ratings.
Do VizRef Lite or DarkRef have ads?
Neither VizRef Lite nor DarkRef shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VizRef Lite or DarkRef?
VizRef Lite ships an update every 3 months, and DarkRef every 3 weeks. Most recently, VizRef Lite was updated on October 10, 2026 and DarkRef on September 28, 2026.

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